Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-10

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows the process for recycling plastic bottles.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

How plastic bottles are recycled

Student answer (Band 6.0)

The diagram shows the process of recycling plastic bottles. Overall, there are several stages, starting from collecting plastic bottles and ending with making new products.

First, people put used plastic bottles into a special recycling bin. Then, a truck collects the bottles and takes them to a recycling centre. At the centre, the bottles are sorted. The bottles which can be recycled are separated from other waste.

After that, the bottles are compressed into large blocks. These blocks are then crushed into small pieces. The pieces are washed with water and then put into a machine to produce plastic pellets. Next, the pellets are heated to form raw plastic material.

In the final stages, the raw material is used to make different new products. These include new plastic bottles, clothes, bags, pencils and other plastic items. Therefore, the recycling process changes used plastic bottles into useful new products.Overall, it is a long process with many stages, starting when people put plastic bottles into recycling bins and ending when new products are produced. The main stages include collecting, sorting, compressing, crushing and washing the bottles.

Conclusion: To conclude, plastic bottles can be recycled by following a series of steps. After being processed into small pieces and plastic pellets, they are finally used to make a variety of new products.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the recycling process clearly and accurately. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the collection, sorting, and transformation phases. However, the response lacks a clear, concise overview that synthesizes the process effectively. You have included a summary paragraph and a separate conclusion, which is redundant and impacts the flow. To reach a higher band, ensure the overview is integrated into the introduction and avoid repeating information in a 'conclusion' section, as this is not required for Task 1. The information is well-selected, but the structure needs to be more streamlined to demonstrate a more professional academic tone.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial collection to the final product. You use cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Then', 'After that', and 'In the final stages' to guide the reader through the process. However, the paragraphing is slightly problematic; including a summary paragraph after the main body and then a separate 'Conclusion' creates a repetitive structure. The cohesion is generally functional, but the repetition of ideas between the summary and the conclusion makes the overall structure feel less cohesive and more mechanical. Improving the integration of these sections would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'compressed', 'raw material', and 'recycling centre' appropriately. The language is clear and conveys the process accurately. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, relying on simple verbs like 'put' and 'make'. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise, academic synonyms to describe the mechanical processes, such as 'processed', 'manufactured', or 'converted'. While the current vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the information without difficulty, it lacks the sophistication and variety required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. You demonstrate good control over basic punctuation and sentence construction. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'The bottles are then compressed' is good, but you could vary this with 'Once the bottles have been compressed, they are crushed...'). The current range is adequate, but increasing the complexity and variety of your sentence patterns would demonstrate better grammatical control.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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